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5 Ways to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8

& Windows 8.1
By Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 09/27/2013
Are you struggling to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8 or Windows 8.1? Have
you tried pressing both F8 and Shift+F8 and they don't work? That's because a lot
has changed with the boot procedure in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. The boot
has become so fast that it literally cannot be interrupted by any of your
keypresses. Here are 5 ways in which you can boot into Safe Mode, that don't involve any
special hacks or manual configuration.

Safe Mode in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

Safe Mode in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 is not too different from the Safe Mode found in
earlier versions of Windows.

The operating system still loads only the most basic drivers and services, so that it can
display a minimal useful interface. The only important difference is that the minimum screen
resolution used by Safe Mode has risen from 800x600 pixels to 1024x768 pixels.

1. Use the System Configuration Tool (msconfig.exe) - works

in Windows 8 & 8.1
The easiest method for booting into Safe Mode is to use the System Configuration tool, also
known as msconfig.exe.
Go to the Boot tab and, in the Boot options section check the box that says "Safe boot". Then,
click or tap OK.

You are informed that you need to restart your computer. Click Restart or Exit without restart
depending on whether you want to restart now or later.

At the next restart, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 start in Safe Mode.

2. Use Shift + Restart - works in Windows 8 & 8.1

Another method is to press the Power button at the Windows login screen or in the Settings
charm. Then, press and hold the SHIFT key on your keyboard and click Restart.

Windows asks you to choose an option. Press Troubleshoot.

In the Troubleshoot screen, press Advanced options.

In the Advanced options screen, press Startup Settings.

You are informed that you are about to restart in order to change several Windows options,
including enabling Safe Mode. Press Restart.

Your computer or device restarts again and displays nine startup settings, including Safe
Mode, Safe Mode with Networking and Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Press the F4 key on your keyboard, to enable Safe Mode, F5 to enable Safe Mode with
Networking and F6 to enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Windows 8 and Windows
8.1 now boot according to the setting you selected.

3. Boot from a System Recovery CD/DVD - works only in

Windows 8

In Windows 8, but not in Windows 8.1, you can create a system recovery CD or DVD. Here's
the tutorial that shows how it is done: How to Create a System Repair Disc for Windows 7 &
Windows 8.
Once you have that disc created, boot from it. When asked to press any key to load its
content, do so.
First, you are asked to choose your keyboard layout. Press the layout you want to use. If you
want to browse through the available options, press "See more keyboard layouts" until you
find the one you want to use.

Then, the Choose an option screen is shown.

From here on, the steps are identical to those shown for method 2.

4. Boot from a System Recovery Memory Stick - works in

Windows 8 & 8.1
In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 you can use the Recovery Media Creator to create a system
recovery drive on a USB flash Drive. Details instructions can be found in this tutorial: How to
Create a Recovery Drive on a USB Memory Stick in Windows 8 & 8.1".
Boot from the USB memory stick and follow the same instructions as in method 3.

5. Use F8 or Shift + F8 (doesn't work when using UEFI BIOS &

SSDs)
In Windows 7, you were able to press F8 just before Windows got loaded, to open the
Advanced Boot Options window, where you could choose to start Windows 7 in Safe Mode.
Some websites advise you to press Shift+F8, just before Windows 8 or 8.1 starts loading so
that you make it start the recovery mode, from where you can boot into Safe Mode. The
problem is that, most times, Shift+F8 and F8 don't work, even though they are correct
commands, supported by Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
This official blog post from Microsoft (Designing for PCs that boot faster than ever before)

explains that this behavior is caused by their work in designing a very fast boot procedure.
Both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 have the fastest boot times ever. To quote Steve Sinofsky:
"Windows 8 has a problem it really can boot up too quickly. So quickly, in fact, that there is
no longer time for anything to interrupt boot. When you turn on a Windows 8 PC, there's no
longer long enough to detect keystrokes like F2 or F8, much less time to read a message such
as "Press F2 for Setup." For the first time in decades, you will no longer be able to interrupt
boot and tell your PC to do anything different than what it was already expecting to do."
If you have modern PC with a UEFI BIOS and a fast SSD drive, there's no way you can
interrupt the boot procedure with your keypresses. On older PCs, with a classic BIOS and no
SSD drive, pressing these keys might still work though.

Conclusion
I hope you found this guide useful. If you know other ways you can make Windows 8 or
Windows 8.1 boot into Safe Mode, don't hesitate to share them via the comments form
below. Many readers will find them useful.
Discover more: Tutorials System and Security System Recovery Windows 8
Related articles:
How to Restore Windows 8 to Its Initial Clean State Using Reset
How to Boot to the UEFI BIOS on any Windows 8.1 Tablet or Device
How to Restore your PC with System Restore, in Windows 7 & Windows 8

Comments
by Abdur Rehman on 09/27/2013 - 10:11
thanks for this awesome tip making me able to boot OS when my PC stuck in normal
mode
reply
by Clever Mind on 09/28/2013 - 06:44
To get the old F8 option back in Windows 8, even for UEFI boot, from an elevated
command prompt type:
bcdedit /set bootmenypolicy legacy
reply
by HA on 10/03/2013 - 05:59

In the 5th to the last sentence you probably mean "no way', not "now way".
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 10/03/2013 - 12:39
Fixed. Thank you for sharing this problem.
reply
by semaj on 05/15/2014 - 06:41
-i did every step, but when i hit f6 to enter safe mode i get pushed back onto the login
screen. why?
reply
by Spike on 06/12/2014 - 20:56
Because your supposed to hit f8 not F6
reply
by Joe Polito on 10/29/2013 - 03:42
I am having trouble updating my laptop to Win 8.1. I finally got it to go all the way to the
end. It started 8.1, reloaded the app store apps, and started the desktop. then the screen
flickered and went blank. I forced stop and rebooted. After the splash screen it goes
blank I know that it starts normally, because if I wait a few minutes, I can enter my
password and then the keystrokes to shut down, and it does shut down. I suspect it
downloaded a bad video driver. I made a system recovery flash drive on my desktop (it is
running 8.1), and I want to start in safe mode. When I boot to the recovery environment,
there is no Startup Settings option in Advanced Options (???) Any idea why? Thanks.
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 10/29/2013 - 11:59
I remember having a similar issue. But it was caused by the fact that I did not pay
attention and the system was booting from the system recovery partition that was made
by Windows and not from my recovery USB drive.
reply
by Chris on 11/23/2013 - 20:17
No it can't be that because I have the same problem. Except I have no recovery partition,
only the USB recovery drive and there is NO option for starting in Safe Mode.
reply

reply
by Clever Mind on 12/26/2013 - 19:24
To get the old F8 option back in Windows 8 - 8.1, even for UEFI boot, from an elevated
command prompt type:
bcdedit /set bootmenupolicy legacy
Fixed spelling error in " bootmenypolicy to bootmenupolicy"
reply
by Aidan on 01/06/2014 - 12:52
I believe it should actually be
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
And
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
to get back to the usual Windows 8 tile recovery menu.
reply
by Dale on 09/09/2014 - 06:58
Thank you! This worked when nothing else would. Seems like a lot of people assume
you haven't corrupted the video drivers...
reply
by Ann on 01/14/2014 - 23:54
Thanks for these tips... I just installed 8.1 and upgraded an intel driver that windows
asked me to do - now reboot only takes me to a black screen. If I hover mouse cursor
over the screen I get the little swirly that says it's thinking, but it never goes further.
How on earth can I start in safe mode from here?!
Any suggestions so welcome. Have searched Web but can only find how to start safe
mode when you are already logged in, so I'm really stuck...
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 01/15/2014 - 10:09
Create a System Recovery Memory Stick on another PC that works. See step 4 for a link
to more detailed instructions.
reply
by Ann on 01/16/2014 - 00:39

Thanks - I don't have another pc with same software. But I did find advice specific to
Samsung pc (which I have) that took me to a restore option ... wiped everything to last
restore point, fortunately I had backed up recently ... but who'd want to upgrade to
Windows 8.1 when this might happen?! I won't be trying it again anytime soon. Thanks
for advice!
reply
by Goyt on 03/03/2014 - 05:33
I've just installed Windows 8.1 and I'm *trying* to get used to it. I'm almost going back to
7, but I've decided that I'll give it at least one week before I decide. The lack of the Safe
Mode by usual means is yet another serious problem with it. Well, methods 1 and 2
assume Windows is minimally working and usable, but if one needs to enter Safe Mode,
more often than not Windows will be frozen and/or won't boot normally, so they're no
use. Method 3 doesn't apply to me, as I'm on 8.1. Method 5 won't work either (my mobo
is not UEFI yet, but I do boot from a fast SSD). So, only method 4 is left, and I'd better
spare a USB stick for that before I need it. You should indicate the necessary size; I'm
going to try a 4-GB stick. Thanks a lot.
reply
by Randy Lay on 06/19/2014 - 20:14
you might want to download classic shell it makes windows 8 look and act like windows
7 but much faster
reply
by Bobby B on 06/27/2014 - 17:39
I think you're missing his point. As good as classic shell is, it will not change the way
windows 8 boots into safe mode. Which is the problem he was talking about.
reply
by bobTheBuilder on 03/21/2014 - 20:23
I was possibly about to throw this tablet out the window. Thanks for the "Hold Shift and
Select Restart"!!
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 03/21/2014 - 20:36
I'm glad that this guide was useful to you. Don't hesitate to pay us a visit from time to
time, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
reply

by mikewilson on 03/30/2014 - 22:52

"The boot has become so fast that it literally cannot be interrupted by any of your
keypresses"
Most stupidest excuse for poor programming.
Boot loading can be fast and also check if F8 is pressed - it wouldn't slow down the
loading process.
Stupid.. Soo stupid....
reply
by Bobby B on 06/27/2014 - 17:50
I agree. It sounds like they're trying to make the fact that it is harder to boot into safe
mode a selling point.
Even it that was the case I'm sure no one would be bothered if they incorporated
something like a 1/4 second pause during boot that could recognize certain keypresses.
I think that would go a long way.
reply
by Henkenator68NL on 03/31/2014 - 13:20
It is possible in Windows 8.1 to get to the safe boot option if you cannot enter the OS.
Wait until the windows screen appears stating: It it appears that your PC did not start
correctly (something like this, mine is in Dutch so a rough translation). You can than
select restart or advanced options.
Choose advanced options, then you get to the same menu as shown in pictures 7 (In the
Advanced options screen, press Startup Settings.). After that samething for picture 8 (You
are informed that you are about to restart in order to change several Windows options,
including enabling Safe Mode. Press Restart).
Hit enter it will reboot and the menu shown in picture 9 (Your computer or device
restarts again and displays nine startup settings, including Safe Mode, Safe Mode with
Networking and Safe Mode with Command Prompt) appears.
This way you can still enter save mode without any dvd or whatsoever.
reply
by ferhat on 04/02/2014 - 09:59
Hello

i updated win 8.1 but there is no image on the screen. i tried to enter safe mode but
there is no startup settings on advanced options. what can I do.
thanks.
reply
by Prabuddha on 04/11/2014 - 12:38
Thanks for the tips!
reply
by Tien on 04/13/2014 - 13:43
Thank you. I'm on windows 8.1 and was trying to smash F8 to get it to the advanced boot
menu in vain. The shift+restart trick works for me. Again, thank you.
reply
by dmales on 04/30/2014 - 01:08
We're the heck is "restart"?
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 04/30/2014 - 11:41
See here: http://www.7tutorials.com/5-ways-shut-down-or-restart-windows-8computer...
reply
by MAW on 04/16/2014 - 12:10
You solved my problem. Thanks for the tutorials.
reply
by MF on 04/24/2014 - 06:36
No luck.
New laptop with Win8.1, less than 24 hours after I get it, it goes into "User Profile Service
service failed. Could not load user profile." I can't get into the system to use MSConfig,
power button at login screen doesn't have restart option, have no system recovery CD or
memory stick yet, and I have an SSD.
I'd be interested to hear if there are any options that don't involve paying somebody
$200 to service a $250 machine.

This is pretty effing stupid. The world's biggest operating system, not in beta, can't get
out of the house without a fatal failure. I haven't chosen to use a MS product in four
years. It looks like it'll be that long again, unless there's some simple fix that nobody out
there has listed yet.
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 04/24/2014 - 11:52
Why don't you return it if this has happened less than 24 hours after you got it? Maybe
the SSD is corrupted and not working well and that's why Windows is not able to
function correctly. Also, fixing this problem should be free and covered by the warranty
you have for the device.
reply
by Imran on 04/28/2014 - 10:32
thank alottttttttttt.... thank you soo muchhh...
that thing works for me
reply
by Npc on 05/25/2014 - 00:00
Thanks for the great article. I was wondering , however, previously in Win 7 or below
using BIOS, if the OS had crashed and won't boot then we could enter into the setup
mode and choose to boot from a disc and by using recovery or installation disc restore
the problem. What about Win8, if we cannot interrupt boot, and it fails, how to enter into
setup mode (F2 AND F12)????????
reply
by Jonas Steinberg on 06/07/2014 - 00:00
Beautiful! Completely ridiculous that MS removed this feature stock as it can be powerful
for getting around BSODs. Yes, I know there are many other ways, blah blah blah, but in
enterprise desktop / laptop environments where local backup / system restore policies
are often neglected, the advanced startup options, especially LKGC, can be a real life
saver.
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard
reply
by Anang Rizkie on 06/20/2014 - 04:25
Thanks,, nice info :)

reply
by subhash jha on 07/02/2014 - 12:11
If i am not able to login to windows 8 desktop screen,,then what is the procedure to boot
into safe mode....
reply
by Ciprian Adrian Rusen on 07/02/2014 - 12:13
Try number 2 or 4.
reply
by xxxxxx on 07/03/2014 - 01:33
Thanks man. it works perfectly....
reply
by Keiran John Cha... on 07/21/2014 - 11:17
Just a quick note:i was having probs booting into safemode with Windows 8.1
I use a VGA video splitter to run my monitor AND my 42" Plasma TV to watch movies off
my HD
I found the Acer Aspire XC-603 would not boot into safemode until i took out the splitter
hope this may help others
reply
by Ramy on 07/23/2014 - 04:45
Hey, it Tried going to safe mode in my windows 8 using the steps you provided but my
laptop will not restart on safe mode. Is the any other way on how I can get my laptop to
go on safe mode??
reply
by Pouria on 08/06/2014 - 01:03
thanks a lot...
reply

by Micks Moggie on 09/19/2014 - 13:33

I was unable to update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 because Mcafee was preventing
it, I had to uninstall Mcafee then it updated OK.
reply
by Bahram on 09/23/2014 - 12:56
Thank you, Very much, This is the best post on net which i found.
reply
by louise parker on 09/26/2014 - 00:43
I have an advent monza t 200 laptop and it will not boot up. Power lights are on when
switching laptop on the advent screen comes on and a dot of white circles show then
that goes off and left with blank blackish colour screen. Have tried all function keys and
even inserted recovery disc and powers on but nothing appears. Have tried taking
battery out and starting just with power cable but still nothing how can I get into any
recovery mode when nothing appears on screen laptop screen must be working as I see
advent logo when first powered up. Running windows 8.1 thanks
reply
by spike on 09/26/2014 - 21:58
Can you get into BIOS?
reply
by louise parker on 09/26/2014 - 23:55
Hi spike thanks for your response however managed to sort problem but did have to
do a complete factory reset. I managed to get into utility page by pressing and holding
f2 when powering up then had to change boot system to cd/dvd drive. Then I put in
recovery disc and then rebooted again by powering on then this took me to recovery
menu I tried many different restore points however my anti virus program was
stopping it from restoring and as I couldn't get into windows to disable the anti virus
program I had not alternative than to factory reset so back to windows 8 at the
moment and having to start a fresh with everything very frustrating but at least didn't
have a laptop that was scrap! Thanks anyway
reply
by TerryTibbs on 10/12/2014 - 00:52

Awesome article - clear, consise & resolved my 8.1 freezing on login problem.
Keep up the good work - many thanks!
reply
by Paul Zavadski on 10/12/2014 - 19:04
Hi !
I just discovered how to enter safe mode even if you did not have such option when boot
from stick or etc... ( On logon screen I had NO power off button so shift-restart did not
go! )
When booting windows - shut down PC incorrectly several times ( hold power button or
press reset ) - after that my windows booted in recovery mode without stick & missing
option "Startup settings" in Advanced options was enabled!!!
reply
by ann on 10/18/2014 - 09:27
Many people advise to use the ` bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy` legacy command
for makig F8 key work while booting on Windows 8.1, but for me didnt work like this.
If the bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy gives you the following output
"The boot configuration data store could not be opened. The system cannot find the file
specified.", as
it did for me follow the instructions from [1](the answer marked as the right one).
If you do not want to document yourself reading the answer from [1], just type the
following command:
bcdedit /store c:\Boot\BCD /set bootmenupolicy legacy
It worked for me.
[1]http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/b...
Explanations:
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) files provide a store that is used to describe boot
applications and boot application settings. The objects and elements in the store
effectively replace Boot.ini.
BCDEdit is a command-line tool for managing BCD stores. It can be used for a variety of
purposes, including creating new stores, modifying existing stores, adding boot menu
options, and so on. BCDEdit serves essentially the same purpose as Bootcfg.exe on earlier
versions of Windows, but with two major improvements.
Administrative privileges are required to use BCDEdit to modify BCD.
/set Sets an entry option value.
/store
This option can be used with most BCDedit commands to specify the store to be used. If
this option is not specified, then BCDEdit operates on the system store.

So when you open cmd with the option "Run as adminstrator" you are in
C:\Windows\system32
and that is why system cannot find the file specified, so you must specigy it c:\Boot\BCD.
bootmenupolicy [ Legacy | Standard ]
Defines the type of boot menu the system will use. For Windows 8.1, Windows 8 and
Windows RT the default is Standard. For Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012,
the default is Legacy. When Legacy is selected, the Advanced options menu (F8) is
available. When Standard is selected, the boot menu will appear only under certain
conditions: for example, if there is a startup failure, if you are booting up from a repair
disk or installation media, if you have configured multiple boot entries, or if you manually
configured the computer to use Advanced startup. When Standard is selected, the F8 key
is ignored during boot. Windows 8 PCs start up quickly so there isn't enough time to
press F8. For more information, see Windows Startup Settings (including safe mode).
Note The option is available starting with Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. You can
also use the onetimeadvancedoptions to use the Advanced options (F8) menu (Legacy)
one time on the next boot.
reply
by debraj on 10/19/2014 - 22:35
i am having a problem with win 8.1. really i want to remove it and want to install win 7. is
any idea to do this if so please guide me. it will be appreciate......
reply
1

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